Prabu

Is it human nature to seek solace in religion?

Religion attempts to answer and explain Metaphysical questions as well as forming a moral and ethical framework, which all societies and cultures are built upon. The fundamental rules of these different religions were formed thousands of years ago-nonetheless modern day society is still governed by the basic ideals, which were established using these ancient philosophies. Are these religious views still valid today? With scientific discovery and technology emerging as the new dominant devotion, is there still a place for religion at all? Or is it even more relevant today? Even though technology is developing at an unbelievable rate, the fact that we will all succumb to death is inevitable. So what influences a person to seek out and practice a religious belief, when there are so many religions from which to choose? Why one specifically?

To investigate the many questions I have posed. I will make portraits of the people devoted to a specific religion. I have chosen to visit the Bhaktivedanta manor, outside Watford. It is the main hub of the international society of Krishna consciousness in the UK. Swami Prabhupada founded the international society of Krishna consciousness in the 1960’s. Its core beliefs are based on the Hindu scriptures Srimad Bhagavtam and the Bhagavad-Gita. According traditional Hindu views these texts date back more than 5000 years. The distinctive appearance of the movement and its culture come from the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, which has had adherents in India since the late 15th century and Western converts since the early 1930s.

ISKCON was formed to spread the practice of bhakti yoga (devotion to God), in which aspirant devotees (bhaktas) dedicate their thoughts and actions towards pleasing lord Krishna (God).

I have a personal connection with the religion as my Father has been practicing Krishna Consciousness for 15 years and has lived at the Bhaktivedanta manor as a monk for 12 years. It is my curiosity about the human condition that motivates me to pursue such a project. Religion unifies many different people from different social backgrounds and countries, although their motives for following will differ greatly. I will start to photograph these people as an outsider and attempt to adopt an objective analysis of my subject, although objectivity is difficult. Especially as I talk to the people I will photograph and grow more familiar with them, and them with me. I will look to represent the subjects as individuals existing inside a group. Each with there own personality and character traits. I hope this will be represented by the images I produce.